How to Naturally Relieve Eczema

During the winter season, skin conditions such as eczema can flare up and become very dry and painful. Although traditional medications for eczema can cost up to $70.00, there are other ways to relieve the itching and scratching of the skin. Here are a few ways to relieve eczema naturally at home.

What is eczema?

Eczema is actually your skin experiencing inflammation. Experts say that 1 and 18 children develop the skin condition as infants. Most cases of infant eczema will get better over time; however, there are a number of adults suffering with the skin condition.

Often times, eczema may flare up when a person consumes certain types of foods. If you are unsure of what kinds of foods may result in a itching frenzy, try to avoid foods such as wheat, caffeine, dairy, tomatoes, sugar, preservatives, gluten, chocolate, corn, soy, peanuts and some seafood such as shellfish.

Other ingredients that can cause a reaction can be found in food additives like MSG, dextrose, food dyes such as yellow #5, nitrites etc. Diets rich in whole foods, fresh vegetables, and vegetable juices are a great way to fight eczema flare ups and cleanse the body for overall health.

Eczema can also be extremely irritated by fragrances found in clothing detergent, soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Try avoiding products with fragrances of any kind that may come into contact with the skin. Here are some alternatives you can use that will clean just as good as traditional consumer products.

Clothing detergents:

Try using detergent that has no perfumes and is specially made for people with sensitive skin. Some of the best products are natural soap detergents made especially for babies. They do not have any of the harsh chemicals that will be absorbed into the skin over time and has an added ingredient that softens your clothing. If you find that these products are much too expensive, try washing clothes in simple baking soda. It will easily whiten whites and are great at getting stains out of colorful clothing.

Suggestions for soaps:

Soaps that can relieve eczema skin rashes are Goat's milk soap, oatmeal soap, Neem oil soap, and Chamomile.

Here are several other home remedies that you can use to treat eczema and any other mild skin condition.

Recipes:

First step relieving the symptoms is to make sure the area is clean and free of any dead cells. This will ensure the application of products will absorb to its fullest potential on the skin. Any of the following recipes works wonders for eczema and other skin irritations.

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil is the cousin of the eucalyptus tree. As this tree is mainly found in Australia as well, this tree has just as many household uses as eucalyptus. One teaspoon mixed with a heavy, thick formula of your favorite skin lotion is all you need to do with this recipe. Apply three times a day to see a significant difference within three weeks of use.

Coconut Oil and Flaxseed Oil:

Coconut Oil and Flaxseed oil can be found in just about any store that sells supplements and groceries. Both oils are able to penetrate the skin and over time relieve eczema. Flaxseed oil has the ability to treat any type of inflammation your body is experiencing, inside as well as on the surface of the skin, which is why this recipe is a great solution for eczema. Mix one part of coconut oil with two-thirds of flaxseed oil. Apply liberally to the area at bedtime and at least once during the day. Since both oils do not have a very strong aroma as tea tree oil, you can use this formula at your convenience throughout the day. You should notice a significant difference within a few months.

Other oils that will assist in relieving eczema are Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Omega 3 oils, Aloe Vera, Olive oil, Evening Primrose oil, Beeswax, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E. All of these oils are 100% natural and do not have a lot of additives to the product. They lock in moisture to the skin for a much longer period than the traditional water down lotions.

Supplements

Supplements you can take to assist in relieving eczema are:

Omega 3
Evening Primrose oil
Vitamin E
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Calcium
Zinc
Ginger
Goldenseal root
Pau d'Arco
Shark Cartilage
Camphor
Comfrey

Whether you try tea tree oil in your lotion or using a combination of supplements, these ideas are a great way to help relieve eczema and any other skin irritation for a few dollars. For more information about ways to relieve eczema and other skin irritations consult your dermatologist.